The emerging economic and job opportunities from the resources sector in North West Queensland was the focus of a Queensland Resources Council (QRC) event in Mount Isa overnight.
Around 80 people gathered at the Mount Isa Civic Centre for a chance to discuss the region’s growing importance to the state’s resources sector and economy, particularly as companies branched out from mining traditional minerals.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the QRC was very pleased to host the event and bring together local government, industry, business and community representatives along with a number of parliamentarians.
“We also appreciate the support of event sponsor and major regional employer Glencore Queensland Metals in bringing together people who share the common goal of charting a sustainable pathway forward for our industry in this region,” he said.
“In the 2021/22 financial year, the resources sector contributed $1.1 billion to North West Queensland’s economy, which is a quarter of the local gross regional product.
“Our industry directly and indirectly supported close to 7,500 jobs, accounting for nearly half of all local employment. Resources companies also spent $385 million supporting local businesses, charities and sports clubs.
“Here in Mount Isa specifically, the resources sector generated $810 million for the local economy and supported more than half of local jobs, accounting for a third of the gross regional product of $580 million.
On top of that, our industry supported 700 jobs and spent almost $200 million with local businesses, charities and sports clubs over that one-year period, which demonstrates how important the community is to the resources sector.
“With abundant reserves of the resources the world needs to develop technologies of the future, particularly in energy storage, there is significant potential for the resources sector to bring even greater economic benefits to this region,” Mr Macfarlane said.
Glencore Zinc Australia Chief Operating Officer Sam Strohmayr said the company has a strong connection to the region and was delighted to support the QRC’s first Resources Roundup in Mount Isa.
“We’re proud to be a part of Mount Isa Mine’s iconic 100-year history, contribution, and achievements,” Mr Strohmayr said.
“The Resources Roundup was a great opportunity to bring people together to talk about how we can work together to make the most of the North West’s potential in the region’s future resources development to benefit local communities and Queensland.
